Iva Nancy Bate

Nancy Bate went peacefully to be with the Lord on Tuesday, June 27. Nancy was born on December 15, 1936. She grew up in Allentown, Pennsylvania. As an early walker and talker (just 9 months old!), she would wander away with anyone who would talk to her resulting in the police and even strangers bringing her home! She attended John Hopkins Hospital School of Nursing, graduating in 1957. In 1958, Nancy married Myron Miller with whom she had 3 children. In 1973, Nancy married Bob Bate. Nancy and Bob lived in New Jersey, Illinois, Minnesota, and finally in Michigan until Bob retired from a long career in sales. They moved to Stone Mountain, Georgia in 2005 to be closer to their grandchildren. In Nancy’s career as a nurse, she worked at the Children’s Rehab Hospital near Edgewood, Pennsylvania and as a Public Health Nurse in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. She served as a Director of Nursing Home Care in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In Michigan she served in public health, managing care for 50 HIV patients and testing patients for sexually transmitted diseases in 3 different clinics. During that time, Nancy also served the families of HIV patients by facilitating support groups. Nancy found time for volunteering in her churches teaching Bible Study and Sunday School. Not only did she teach Bible courses for preschool children and adults, she wrote material for some of the courses. While in Michigan, Nancy and Bob also visited nursing homes where Bob provided the music and Nancy preached for worship services. Nancy also shared her faith with her grandchildren through lessons, fun and games. Her love of painting in watercolor started in Michigan, but she didn’t have regular lessons until she was living in Georgia and North Carolina. Her paintings have decorated her apartment for many years. Nancy was preceded in death by her husband Robert T. Bate. She is survived by her sister, Janet Stoner of Lahaska, Pa., her brother, Howard Wright of Springfield, Mo., her son Ken Miller of Cary, NC, daughter Marilyn Monahan of The Villages, Fl., son Jim Miller of Dublin, NH. Step children Berry Bate of Asheville, NC and Bruce Bate of Hartwell, Ga. Grandson Marcus Miller and 3 granddaughters Rebekah Miller, Claire Miller and Lizzie Taft. Nancy Bate’s family, career and volunteer activities are proof that she lived by her favorite virtue “caring for others.” She lived by Jeremiah 29:11 - 12 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. ESV

Iva Nancy Bate

December 15, 1936 - June 27, 2023